Canon and Sony News for Apr 2012

Canon CPN has made Wireless File Transmitter Step-by-Step Setup Guides available for download.

From Lowepro:

New Lowepro Urban Photo Sling Series

Wear it three ways. Load it two ways. The new Urban Photo Sling series from Lowepro offers street photographers and enthusiasts an easy way to carry and access their camera gear, plus a tablet.

DayMen Canada, manufacturer and leading distributor of high-quality imaging, laptop and other electronic protective accessory brands, unveils its new Urban Photo Sling series. Inspired by the daily routines of street shooters, photo enthusiasts—even bloggers—these modern and compact slings offer versatile and comfortable carrying solutions.

The Urban Photo Sling series features a profile that lends itself to three comfortable and secure wearing options: at the front, back or to the side. The design was specially constructed to make it easy to shift positions while on the move.

Thoughtful storage details are featured throughout the design. A dedicated, padded compartment provides protective space for an iPad® or other tablet-style computer. A zippered front accessory pocket offers easy access to personal items. And side pockets provide grab-and-go access to a lens cap, filter, metro ticket or other small items.

Two loading options add to the versatility of the sling. A photographer can load it from the top for easy access or with the front panel fully open for maximum organization. The interior features a padded and adjustable divider system for custom organization of gear.

Additional features include: an interior keeper strap to safeguard lenses and accessories; a tuckaway waistbelt for stability, comfort and security; a contoured, mesh-covered top flap that serves as a moisture barrier; plus a built-in pocket to keep spare memory within easy reach.

The Urban Photo Sling 250 fits up to a Pro DSLR without grip, with an attached 70-200mm lens; 2 extra lenses or a flash and 1 lens; a tablet; the side pocket fits a water bottle or small tripod; accessories and personal items. The Urban Photo Sling 150 fits a DSLR with attached 55-200mm lens; 2 extra lenses or a flash and 1 lens; a tablet; accessories and personal items, OR, a CSC with attached kit lens; 3 extra lenses or a flash and 2 lenses; a tablet, accessories and personal items.

The Urban Photo Sling series is available in Black. For more information about this series, please visit lowepro.com/urban-photo-sling.

B&H is accepting preorders for the Lowepro Urban Photo Sling Series.

Standard test results (and some product images) have been added Zeiss 25mm f/2.0 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review page.

From Lowepro:

The New Lowepro Flipside Sport AW Series

DayMen Canada announces the launch of Lowepro’s new technical, lightweight daypack that offers active outdoor photographers and enthusiasts on-the-fly access to gear.

DayMen Canada, manufacturer and leading distributor of high quality imaging, laptop and other electronic protective accessory brands, unveils its new Flipside Sport AW series from Lowepro. These two technical packs incorporate body-side access, a removable camera compartment, all-weather protection, plus lightweight carrying comfort.

A compact, low-profile shape allows the wearer to move with ease when running or hiking on an alpine trail or exploring challenging terrain on a mountain bike or skis. Perforated and breathable padding with air channels is strategically placed at the back panel and shoulder straps to provide comfort and moisture wicking at the back and shoulders. The unique, body-side access design provides an easy way to get to gear without having to remove the pack.

To create more flexibility for outdoor photographers and adventurers, the design team constructed a removable camera compartment. It includes the classic Lowepro adjustable and padded divider system, but with an inventive twist: the entire compartment may be removed, securely cinched with a storm-flap closure, and put in a safe place while the pack is converted to a fully functional daypack.

Built-in details add comfort and convenience for a day of outdoor activities. The packs feature a hydration-ready side pocket with space for a 1 liter reservoir (not included) and easy-to-reach port for a sip tube. An ultra-secure tripod attachment system at the side of the pack helps expand the carrying capacity—it accommodates a range of compact tripods or monopods, and helps compress the overall size of the pack.

Additional, outdoor-friendly features include: lashes for trekking poles/ice axe; a zippered pocket inside the back panel; multiple adjustment points for a custom fit at shoulders, sternum and waist; Lowepro’s patented, built-in All Weather AW Cover™ to protect gear from the elements; and lightweight, resilient and high-performance 210D triple-ripstop nylon with PU coating for improved durability.

The Flipside Sport 15L AW fits up to a Pro DSLR with grip, with attached 300mm f/2.8 lens; 1-3 extra lenses or flashes; a tripod or monopod; 1 liter hydration reservoir; cables, memory, manual and extra accessories. The Flipside Sport 10L AW fits a DSLR with attached 70-200mm f/2.8 lens; 1-2 extra lenses or flashes; a tripod or monopod; 1 liter hydration reservoir; cables, memory, manual and extra accessories.

Available in two colours: Lowepro Orange with Light Gray accents and Galaxy Blue with Light Gray accents. For more information about this series, please visit lowepro.com/flipside.

B&H is accepting Lowepro Flipside Sport preorders.

Tamron has posted 1Q 2012 Financial Results (PDF).

The Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens is now shipping in the USA. I have a ship notice from B&H.

I would like to create a full Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens Review, but will minimally commit to capturing a full set of standard test results from it.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4.1 Release Candidate 2 is now available for download.

The following issues have been fixed in the Lightroom 4.1 release candidate 2 (April 26, 2012):

• Estimated price does not update when switching between books in the Collection panel.
• Postscript Type 1 Fonts do not appear in the Font menu within the Book module.
• Filenames can be used as auto text captions within the Book module.
• Fonts such as Courier New and Times were not displaying properly on books exported as PDF files.
• The Adjustment Brush pin would not properly accept negative values.
• Clarity adds grey tinting to 100% white tones.
• Creating a soft proof does not add a line item to the History Panel.
• Photos with GPS Altitude data will now properly display Altitude within Lightroom.
• Unable to import RAW+ JPEG files directly from Canon 5D, Canon 5D Mark II, Nikon D700, Nikon D90, and Sony NEX5 cameras when connected through USB.
• Unable to import RAW + JPEG files when using the built-in SD card reader on Macbook laptops in some scenarios.
• Lightroom 4 and ACR 6.7 render files differently.

Learn more at Lightroom Journal.

Adobe has made 28 short Photoshop CS6 Videos available on YouTube.

Again, CS6 preorders are being taken at the Adobe Store.

From Redrock Micro:

Redrock Micro Enhances, Expands Line of Follow Focus Units

Years of Experience Advances State-of-the-Art Focus Units for Independent Filmmaking

Hollywood, CA and Dallas, TX – Redrock Micro, the recognized leader in affordable professional-level cinema accessories, announced today the immediate availability of a new family of Redrock-designed follow focus units. The new microFollowFocus family is the third generation offering from Redrock Micro that delivers new levels of performance, a unique “back-to-new performance” adjustable gearbox, and a range of products that can match any budget or feature needs.

Professional-level Performance for a Lifetime

At the heart of any focusing unit is precision performance. Redrock spent the last three years developing a new original-design unit featuring a completely geared, precision-machined transmission with virtually backlash-free performance. Recognizing that all follow focuses settle over time and are prone to develop play, all new microFollowFocus units include adjustable backlash, which can reset the unit’s performance to ‘like new’ condition at any time. The new gearbox delivers exceptional professional-level performance for a lifetime.

Special Features for DSLR Lenses

The microFollowFocus | blue solves the issue that many filmmakers face when filming with HDSLR lenses: the focus ring spins freely, making repeatable focus nearly impossible. The microFollowFocus | blue solves this with an ingenious adjustable 'hard stop' mechanism on the follow focus itself, so every lens now has hard stops. "Hard stops solve a big limitation of shooting with Canon EF lenses," said Ted Coates, DP and owner of Moving Pictures, Inc. "I now have a tool that allows me to shoot with DSLR lenses with a similar level of confidence as traditional video lenses. " The new microFollowFocus line offers additional features for DSLR lenses including support for shorter lenses with its flippable gear box, and when paired with microLensGears gives DSLR lenses the ability to achieve accurate, repeatable, precision focus pulling.

Choose the microFollowFocus to fit your Budget and Needs

The microFollowFocus family is available in three different configurations and price points. The microFollowFocus | blue is Redrock's flagship product, with the features and performance for professionals and enthusiasts. The microFollowFocus | blue Studio adds a second side wheel ("studio" mode) for quickly switching camera sides, and can be added or removed at any time. The microFollowFocus retains the performance and core features of the flagship version at a more economical price.

The microFollowFocus Advantage

The Redrock microFollowFocus family is the only line of follow focus units to deliver all these key advantages:

• “Back to new” adjustable backlash that maintains precision performance for a lifetime.
• Adjustable hard stops for DSLR lenses.
• Reinforced, repositionable focus indicator for assistant or operator focus marks.
• Add a second side wheel (‘studio mode’) at any time, or switch between single and double sided.
• Works with both still and cinema lenses.
• Choice of follow focus unit to match your budget and performance needs.
• Confidence in gear that comes with lifetime warranty and is made in the USA.
• Incredibly affordable - starting at $595.

Pricing and Availability

All microFollowFocus products are available immediately from Redrock direct at store.redrockmicro.com and from authorized Redrock Micro resellers worldwide. The microFollowFocus introductory price is $595, the microFollowFocus | blue $795, and the double-sided microFollowFocus | blue Studio $1190.

Get your Redrock Micro gear from B&H.

I have posted the Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera Review - Part 2.

The primary updates to the 5D III review are the image quality comparisons closer to the beginning of the review.

The British Journal of Photography is reporting that the rare Nikkor 6mm f/2.8 Fisheye lens, billed as the "world's most extreme wide-angle" is available for purchase from Gray's of Westminster in London.

Get more information and see pictures on BJP's site. (thanks James)

From Think Tank Photo:

Santa Rosa, Calif. – Think Tank Photo announces that in May it will release its first four-wheeled rolling camera bag, the Airport 4-Sight™. The Airport 4-Sight meets international airline carry-on standards. The roller’s weight has been reduced dramatically through innovative design and by a strict focus on the features that photographers find most beneficial.

With professional photography gear not getting any lighter, Think Tank set out to design a more ergonomic roller to reduce fatigue and strain on traveling photographers. Walking a four-wheeler alongside one’s self is easier than pulling it behind or carrying it over a shoulder. Putting the bags weight on four-wheels eliminates arm strain and makes rolling effortless.

Four-wheelers are superior on many smooth surfaces. On thick carpet, the Airport 4-Sight leans over to perform as a traditional two-wheel roller. It has the added benefit of rolling sideways on two wheels to easily navigate tight spaces, such as airline aisles.

Features Include:

• High capacity. Holds Pro DSLRs with four to five lenses.
• Integrated removable Think Tank Cable Management organizer.
• Side hinged lid opens bag completely for quick and unencumbered access to gear.
• Two-position locking handle for comfort and ergonomics.
• Zippered top pocket for boarding pass.
• Lockable zipper sliders on main compartment.
• Reinforced bottom panel for increased durability.
• User replaceable handle and wheels.
• Seam sealed rain cover included.
• YKK RC-fused™ zippers.

“The Airport 4-Sight is in a class by itself,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s co-founder and lead designer. “It appeals to frequent flyers or anyone who seeks ease in transporting gear. Smart design features like reduced overall weight and increased maneuverability, ergonomics and capacity make this rolling camera bag a breakthrough in the industry.”

Specifications

Internal Dimensions: 12.3” W x 16” H x 5–6.7” D (31.2 x 40.6 x 12.7–17 cm)
External Dimensions: 14” W x 19.5” H x 8” D (35.6 x 49.5 x 20.3 cm)
Weight: 7–8.9 lbs (3.2–4 kg)

Learn more at ThinkTankPhoto.com.

Nikon has issued a service notice for the EN-EL15 Li-ion Battery:

This is an important announcement regarding the EN-EL15 battery which is used in the Nikon D7000, D800, D800E and Nikon 1 V1 cameras.

While Nikon takes great measures to assure high quality products, it has come to our attention that a certain number of EN-EL15 batteries manufactured by one of our suppliers did not meet Nikon’s internal quality standards. In extremely rare cases, this may cause the battery to overheat and the exterior casing to become deformed. Batteries exhibiting this problem have only been confirmed in the Nikon manufacturing process. We have received no reports of this problem from the market. Therefore, in order to ensure the safety of our customers and their equipment, we have initiated a voluntary replacement scheme for applicable products.

Customers using an applicable EN-EL15 battery may request a replacement battery ...

If you have any Nikon EN-EL15 Li-ion Batteries, you need to read the rest of the service notice here to find out if any of your batteries are included in the recall.

Chromaluxe has brought us another answer to the "What do we do with those round full frame 8mm images from the Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L USM Fisheye Lens?" question. Of course, any of your photos can be cropped round for this application.

From Chromaluxe:

New Shape Options for Wall Décor Now Available with HD Metal Circle Photo Panels by ChromaLuxe

The Versatile Range of ChromaLuxe HD Metal Photo Panels Has Been Rounded Out with a New, Unique Look

Louisville, KY – April 24, 2012 – ChromaLuxe (www.chromaluxe.com), the leading manufacturer of high definition sublimatable photo panels, today announced the availability of its new HD Metal Circle Photo Panels. The new circle panels add diversity to the company’s extensive lineup of vivid photo panels, which transform photographs into a focal point of any wall décor. With their exceptional durability and image detail, HD metal photo panels are ideal for unique deliverables demanded by professional photographers looking for individualized, customizable client offerings or gallery displays, interior designers seeking one-of-a-kind decorative installations, or decorators of high-traffic locations such as restaurants, hotels and arenas.

As with all ChromaLuxe HD metal photo panels, the new circle panels present an archival-quality, highly scratch-resistant surface that is waterproof and resistant to UV rays and other damaging elements that would easily destroy standard paper prints. Circle photo panels are offered in 8”, 11”, 16” or 20” diameters to fit any desired decorative layout and are available with ChromaLuxe’s gloss white finish for a crisp and vivid image rendition.

“A person’s home or office space is an extension of their personality, and so we want to offer the largest variety of creative décor themes so that our customers and their clients can express individual tastes and styles,” said Kristina Lowe, ChromaLuxe Director of Marketing. “Whether as a distinctive and memorable way to show off wedding photos or artwork at home, or as a bold photographic statement in an office or retail environment, ChromaLuxe has a display solution that will define an aesthetic like no other image display available.”

Producing the highest-quality metal photo panels in the industry, ChromaLuxe is the preferred supplier for professional photographic labs and digital print providers. HD Metal Circle Photo Panels can be easily integrated with the existing line up of ChromaLuxe photo panels, which range from 4”x6” up to 40”x60” dimensions, or the popular ChromaLuxe Creative Borders series of uniquely shaped photo panels.

For more information on the new ChromaLuxe HD Metal Circle Photo Panels and the complete ChromaLuxe product line-up, or to find a full listing of participating professional photo labs please visit www.chromaluxe.com.

Canon Inc. has released 1Q 2012 financial results (PDF).

Review the Presentation Material for 1Q 2012 (PDF) for an easy read.

From Reuters: Canon raises profit forecast on weaker yen.

Nikon has made Capture NX 2.3.2 Updater available for download: USA | Europe.

Modifications that apply to both the Windows and Macintosh versions

Support for RAW images captured with the D3200 has been added.

Additional modifications to the Windows version

When images captured with the camera’s Auto distortion control function enabled were opened or edited, Capture NX 2 sometimes quit unexpectedly. This issue has been resolved.

Additional modifications to the Macintosh version

When NEF files edited using the unsharp mask function and then saved were later opened, or copied and opened, the images sometimes appeared corrupted. This issue has been resolved.

Nikon Codec v1.14.0 is also available for download.

Canon USA has issued an EOS 5D Mark III DSLR Camera product advisory.

To Users of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera

Thank you for using Canon products.

Concerning the EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR camera, when the LCD panel illuminates in extremely dark environments, the displayed exposure value may change. Canon has concluded the investigation of this phenomenon, and this announcement informs you of our findings as described below.

Phenomenon

In extremely dark environments, if the LCD panel illuminates, the displayed exposure value may change. However, based on the results of extensive testing this change in exposure value will not noticeably affect the captured image.

Affected Product

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera

*Products whose sixth digit in the serial number is 1 or 2 are affected.

For example, “xxxxx1xxxxxx” or “xxxxx2xxxxxx” ([x] represents any optional number.)

Support

Under almost all shooting conditions (including dark environments) this phenomenon will not affect your captured images. However, if you would like Canon to inspect your camera, we will provide this service free of charge upon request beginning in mid-May. Please contact Canon using the information below to request service.

This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Please register the EOS 5D Mark III. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email when service updates are available. If you already registered, please ensure you are opted-in to receive the notification.

Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc

Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON or 1-800-652-2666
TDD: 1-866-251-3752
Email: carecenter@cits.canon.com
For additional support options: www.usa.canon.com/support

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Firmware Version 1.1.2 is now available for download.

Firmware Version 1.1.2 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

1. Supports a new accessory, GPS receiver GP-E2.
2. Fixes a phenomenon where a pink cast may develop over the image when the shutter is completely pressed with the camera’s power turned off (by the auto power off setting).
3. Fixes a phenomenon where the camera operation stops after one shot when shooting in High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode.
4. Fixes a phenomenon where the Shooting Date/Time in the EXIF data of the image shows a later time than the actual shooting time.
5. Fixes the time zone for the Samoa Islands.
6. Corrects errors in the Finnish menu screen. (Products for the Japanese market do not display the Finnish menu.)

Adobe has shared some big announcements this morning - here are the press releases:

Adobe Creative Suite CS6

Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Photoshop CS6 Extended

Adobe CS6 Student and Teacher Edition

Adobe Launches Creative Cloud

Preorder Adobe CS6 Applications at B&H.

Preorder Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Photoshop Extended CS6 at B&H.

Canon USA has made Digital Photo Professional (DPP) Version 3.11.26 available for download.

To help promote their April 2012 free Pro Speed Belt ($39.75 value) with the purchase of a Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Pro, Think Tank Photo sent me a StreetWalker Pro to review.

Not surprisingly (I love most Think Tank Photo gear), I love the case.

Here is a quick Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Pro Review.

Tamron has created a special site for the new, highly-anticipated Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens.

Three full-size sample pictures are provided for download, but ... none are shot with an aperture wider than f/5.6 and 56mm, 57mm and 70mm are the only focal lengths exampled.

Following are Nikon D3200 and 28mm f/1.8 AF-S Lens preorder opportunities:

Nikon D3200 and WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter:

B&H, Adorama (WU-1a) and Amazon.com

Nikon 28mm f/1.8 AF-S Lens:

B&H, Adorama and Amazon.com

The Nikon 28mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens (press release) has been announced.

The 24.2 megapixel DX-format Nikon D3200 has been announced (press release).

The Nikon Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a, enabling the sharing of photos with a smart devices, has also been announced (press release).